Systems Engineer Level 5 - Mission Modeling Simulation

Northrop Grumman; New York (NY); On-site; USD 153,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 5, Mission Modeling Simulation, on-site in Chandler, AZ. You will design and implement physics-based models, construct mission scenarios, and perform quantitative analyses to support requirements and design trades.

The role involves hands-on modeling, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and delivering insights for system-level performance. Strong MATLAB/Python/C++ skills and a security clearance are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM plus 12+ years in modeling and simulation or related field; or Master’s with 10+ years; or PhD with 8+ years.
• Demonstrated experience in defense systems modeling, simulation, or analysis; missiles/interceptors preferred.
• Hands-on experience with operations analysis and/or virtual simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS, Brawler, STK, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong background in probability, statistics, and experimental design for weapon systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ for algorithm development and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate mission-level and system-level performance models and simulations for missiles and interceptors.
• Perform mission effectiveness studies and design-of-experiments to assess architecture options.
• Implement algorithms and scripts in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ for real-time simulations.
• Build scenarios to test end-to-end performance against air and missile threats.
• Document methodologies and present results to project teams.

Skills

Security clearance

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Programming experience

Mathematical proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree (preferred)

PhD (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

AFSIM

NGTS

Brawler

STK

Python

C/C++

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer - Level 5, Mission Modeling Simulation, located in Chandler, AZ. This position will support mission‑level and system‑level modeling, simulation, and analysis for advanced missile and interceptor systems. You will design and implement physics‑based models, construct mission and engagement scenarios, and perform quantitative analyses that support requirements development, design trades, and performance verification. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys hands‑on modeling and analysis while collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams.

This position is 100% on site in Chandler, AZ (strongly preferred). Remote candidates may also be considered

You will work with various engineering disciplines (systems, GNC, seeker/sensor, software, mission, integration & test, etc.) to:

• Develop and integrate mission‑level and system‑level performance models, algorithms, and simulations of missiles, interceptors, sensors, threats, and command‑and‑control systems
• Perform operations and behavior analysis, mission effectiveness studies, and assess architecture alternatives for delivering an effect or capability within a broader campaign, including end‑to‑end engagement and campaign‑level assessments
• Implement algorithms and analysis scripts in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ or similar tools to support constructive and real‑time simulations
• Build operationally relevant scenarios to assess end‑to‑end performance against representative air and missile threats
• Perform trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and design of experiments to quantify performance, robustness, and mission utility
• Document assumptions, methods, and results in clear technical reports and present findings to project teams and technical reviewers

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Active US Government Secret security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Physics; Applied Mathematics; Computer Science; etc.) and 12 years of related experience in modeling and simulation or operations analysis; or Master’s degree and 10 years; or Ph.D. and 8 years
• Demonstrated experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis for defense systems, preferably missiles, interceptors, or related weapon/mission systems
• Hands‑on experience with operations analysis and/or virtual simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS, Brawler, STK, MATLAB/Simulink)
• Strong background in probability, statistics, and design of experiments applied to weapon system and mission performance
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ or similar languages for algorithm development, model integration, scripting, and data analysis
• Experience modeling operational environments and performing mission effectiveness trade studies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing complex analysis outcomes to program and customer leadership
• Demonstrated resolve to drive tasks to completion, both independently and in collaborative teams, and possess strong mentoring / training skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret and/or Special Access Program (SAP) access; active TS/SAP is highly preferred
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Missile/interceptor guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
• RF or EO/IR seeker/sensor modeling
• Integrated air defense systems (IADS) or threat modeling
• Electronic attack, electronic protection, and countermeasures modeling
• Survivability, lethality, and vulnerability analysis at the weapon or mission level
• Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and digital engineering practices (e.g., Cameo/SysML) and their use in linking models to requirements
• Experience with real‑time simulation and man‑in‑the‑loop or hardware‑in‑the‑loop test environments
• Experience working within an Agile development workflow using tools such as Jira and Bitbucket/Git

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.